Chief Terry Roach

Chief Terry Roach # 101 – Master P.O.

Chief Roach graduated from Longview High School in 1981. Upon graduation he enrolled into Kilgore College but soon left to join the United States Air Force. He honorably served his country in that capacity from 1982 until 1986. During his time in the Air Force he attended the Community College of the Air Force where he received supervisory training which would no doubt come in handy for his future career in law enforcement. He specialized in the Transportation Department while enlisted. In 1993 he entered his chosen career by becoming a Reserve Police Officer for the Gladewater Police Department. After waiting his time and earning his place, in 1996 he was hired as a full time patrolman for the GPD. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2000. While working for Gladewater he was a certified K-9 handler with his hard working partner “Dusty,” an unbelievably talented black lab. Together, with their specialization in narcotics, they were instrumental in taking out large amounts of all types of drugs. Not only were they important for the people of Gladewater but other agencies as well, including the State of Texas, by assisting State Troopers on huge drug busts garnering state-wide media attention. In 2001, the City of White Oak was fortunate to win the services of then Sergeant Roach. He was hired directly into a patrol sergeant position on a night shift for the White Oak Police Department. He served in that position until 2003 when he promoted to Lieutenant and became the agency’s detective. During that time he earned specialized certification as a Sexual Assault and Family Violence investigator. In 2009 he was promoted to Assistant Chief and in 2014 became the Chief of the White Oak Police Department. During Chief Roach’s time at the White Oak Police Department, he earned Officer of the Year in 2004 and was given Life Saver status plaques by the City of White Oak and Good Shepherd Hospital in 2010 for heroic acts related to saving the lives of EMS personnel during a tragic incident that occurred in White Oak. He has earned his Master Peace Officer and TCOLE Instructor certifications. With that, he served as an instructor for a time at the East Texas Police Academy charged with the duty of preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers. Chief Roach was also instrumental in the agency earning recognized status through the Police Chief’s Association of Texas, of which he has served as a past President and leader. Chief Roach’s leadership stands out in all that he does and the people of White Oak are benefiting greatly from his experience and desire to serve.